Also known as sonography, ultrasound is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves that produce images of the structures in the body. Ultrasound is commonly used in pregnancy to observe the development of the foetus. Apart from that, it is used as a medical examination procedure to monitor soft tissue structures like the pancreas, kidneys, gall bladder, bladder and liver. Doctors use endoscopic, internal or external ultrasound based on the body part that needs to be examined.

The frequency and accuracy of ultrasound sessions depend on the mother’s BMI, pregnancy month, the foetus’ position or previous surgery. This is why pregnant women must undergo multiple ultrasound sessions to ensure the foetus’ healthy growth. However, several myths are associated with ultrasound during pregnancy. In this article, we shall tackle these misconceptions:

• Ultrasound harms the baby
  False. Ultrasound is a great way to view the unborn baby. Early sessions are essential to confirm the presence and location of the pregnancy. Once the pregnancy is confirmed, further sessions are needed the track the foetus’ growth, develop and heartbeat. If the baby does not grow in the right place in the mother’s uterus, it could endanger both the mother and baby’s health and life. Under the physician’s guidance, the pregnant woman must take medicine and supplements to ensure the baby’s brain growth.

• Ultrasound is only for pregnancies
  Apart from monitoring pregnancies, ultrasound is used for detecting other health conditions in the liver, heart, bladder and kidneys, along with other organs. In other words, it simply tells you what is happening inside the body.

• Ultrasound uses radiation
  Medical professionals use harmless high-frequency sound waves for ultrasound procedures, which reflect to provide a graphic representation of the body’s internal organs. Instead, radiation is used in CT scans and X-rays. Also, ultrasound is a safe procedure even when performed multiple times for poor health indications. In high-risk health conditions, ultrasound monitoring ensures optimum results. However, unnecessary ultrasound tests must be avoided.

• Transvaginal ultrasound is dangerous and painful
  Early pregnancy scans in London are essentially painless and straightforward. Instead, they offer a high-resolution real-time image of the foetus. However, a pregnant woman might experience discomfort during a region-specific procedure such as transvaginal or transrectal scans.

Transabdominal ultrasounds are commonly performed during pregnancies. For example, a private gynaecologist in London applies gel to the abdomen and uses a handheld device to transmit the foetus’ images on a screen. Next, they insert the equipment in the vagina for a transvaginal ultrasound, usually to observe fetal heartbeat or inspect the pelvic area and uterine wall lining.

• Ultrasounds provide total information about the body
  Ultrasounds are customised to the patient’s requirements and the body part to be examined, such as pregnancy, abdominal pain or otherwise. The reports are studied when the procedure is performed. Therefore medical professionals do not comment on ultrasound findings if performed elsewhere.

• Ultrasound results are the same everywhere
  An ultrasound procedure must be performed by a skilled gynaecologist to detect possible abnormalities during scans. As the foetus develops, there could be chances of defects that were not present earlier. Though early pregnancy scans in London detect the most life-threatening abnormalities, the baby’s wellbeing cannot be ascertained.

They do not provide you with an accurate gestational age or foetal weight, but the estimations are usually close enough. Therefore, early scan watford are performed regularly to monitor the foetus’ healthy development. Doctors consider the mother’s BMI, the foetus’ position, pregnancy month and previous surgeries when estimating a possible due date.

• You will receive the reports immediately
  An ultrasound report contains patient-specific information and parameters that must be entered into the hospital’s system to generate accurate reports. Being a healthcare matter, this must be carefully dealt with.

• Three-dimensional ultrasound images are more informative
  Though we are often mesmerised with three-dimension, four-dimensional or even five-dimensional ultrasound images, they are not necessarily technically informative. For example, a two-dimensional ultrasound monitors foetal growth assessment, congenital disabilities and amniotic fluid. A three-dimensional adds depth and detail imaging, which a patient understands. In addition, they monitor physical defects such as issues with the foetus’ spinal cord, deformed limbs or cleft lip. Finally, four-dimensional and fifth-dimensional inform doctors about heart development.

• Ultrasound must not be performed in the first three months
  Ultrasound is completely safe even right after you discover yourself to be pregnant, as it does not involve radiation. However, this entirely depends on the private gynaecologist, the mother’s options and foetal health.

• An empty stomach and full bladder before an ultrasound scan
  You must not eat when you have an abdominal ultrasound, but you must not go hungry for more extended hours when pregnant. Also, you will want to visit the washroom more frequently when expecting a baby. Finally, you need to relieve yourself the right way to avoid accidents or discomfort during the ultrasound procedure. Though doctors suggest a full bladder during the first few weeks (it helps with better imaging of the foetus), it is not mandatory after you complete twenty-four weeks.

Therefore, ultrasound is a necessary procedure that must be followed during pregnancy. If you are looking for an early pregnancy scan in London, contact us at Well Women Clinic.